My Account
Police, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and many residents are anxiously waiting to see whether an attempt to prevent Crate Day from happening this year is successful.
Crate Day gatherings, where people get together in a public place to drink alcohol on the “first weekend of summer” (usually December 2 or 3) have resulted in increasing disorder since they started on the Hibiscus Coast in 2013. Last year was particularly bad in Stanmore Bay, with serious assaults, a knife fight and one person treated for alcohol poisoning. There was also a large bill to ratepayers for the clean up of hundreds of broken bottles over the soccer fields and the public toilets had to be closed due to vandalism.
At its October meeting, the local board agreed to a police request for a temporary 48-hour liquor ban on December 2 and 3 for all beaches, foreshores and parks from Hatfield’s Beach to Arkles Bay, including all of Whangaparaoa Peninsula (HM November 1).
The seriousness of instigating such an extensive ban was noted at the time by the local board – especially as only Manly and Stanmore Bay have been affected by Crate Day activities in the past.
In a press release, board chair Julia Parfitt says that early intervention is required to keep people safe and stop the property damage caused in the past. “Someone nearly died last year. The excessive drinking culture that is encouraged at this type of event makes it an extremely dangerous place to be. This event has none of the usual safeguards, as it is unofficial and, therefore, no permits are required. It is promoted through social media so any number of people can turn up and the event can be moved easily to any location.”
She says this year police will be able to act early to stop incidents at locations where the ban is in place.
Police are aware of the possibility that Crate Day will be held in a public place outside the liquor ban area, or on an alternative day – Wenderholm Regional Park is one area that was put forward on social media.
Rodney area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Jason Homan says police have been granted trespass authority in regional parks by Auckland Council. This means if groups are gathering to drink in a regional park, police can ask them to leave or stop drinking otherwise they could be trespassed.
Snr Sgt Homan says there are enough police rostered on to cover beaches in the district on Crate Day, and days either side of the liquor ban dates, to ensure there are no gatherings of people consuming alcohol in public places or parks.
“We are getting the message out now to let people know they will be issued with infringement notices and could be arrested if they are found with liquor in the liquor ban areas.”
